Kalamazoo River in Michigan

Trip Overview

Augusta, MI to Galesburg/Comstock, MI

This is a 10 mile section of the Kalamazoo River. I had estimated about 3-3 1/2 hours but due to an incoming storm front, west winds were pushing us upstream at times so it ended up taking us about 4 1/2 hours. The trip was quite nice with the occasional exception of weather and passing close to the highway and major roads a couple of times.

The slow current of the Kalamazoo River kept us moving with light paddling at about 3-4 miles an hour with the exception of headwinds at times until we reached Morrow Pond/Lake where it opens up and we lost the advantage of nature's propulsion.

The take out point was not very canoe/kayak friendly as it is a public boat launch with rocks and a concrete slab and moderately steep. I was concerned with scraping the hull of my kayak.

All in all it was a nice trip and will do it again.

Accommodations:

none

Fees:

No

Directions:

Battle Creek, MI - West on Dickman Rd. to Augusta. Just past RR tracks entering Augusta is a small pull off that one of the local canoe liveries use for pick-up. Limited parking, 3-4 cars maximum. Take out is the Morrow Pond public access. M-96/Michigan Ave. Rosemont St. to Plaza Ave. Comstock, MI address. Ample parking for cars and trailers as well.

Resources:

Google Earth with USGS topo overlays